Aimplas: EU Project "Green" Develops Biodegradable Fertiliser Delivery Systems

The Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas is participating in the European research project "Green". Coordinated by the University of Birmingham, twelve partners from ten European countries are working on bio-based, biodegradable systems for the controlled release of fertilisers. The project runs from October 2026 to September 2030 and is funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) with approximately EUR 3.3 million.

The project aims to replace conventional polymer coatings used in enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) with biodegradable delivery systems. Coated fertilisers are designed to improve nutrient uptake by plants and reduce nutrient losses. However, conventional coatings are often not biodegradable and can contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils. According to estimates by the project consortium, approximately 22,500 tonnes of microplastics are released annually from such fertilisers in the European Economic Area.

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Microcapsules and Polyelectrolytes
The planned bio-based biodegradable delivery systems (BBDS) will be produced from renewable plant-based raw materials. Their release characteristics will be tailored to environmental conditions and the nutrient requirements of individual crops. The materials are also intended to biodegrade in both soil and water. Applications are planned for conventional as well as organic farming.

Within the project, Aimplas is coordinating the development of delivery systems based on microcapsules and polyelectrolytes. Various production methods will be used, including mechanochemical processes.

Four Systems Planned for Large-Scale Application
The project aims to develop four bio-based fertiliser delivery systems on a larger scale and assess their technical, environmental and economic feasibility. Beyond fertiliser applications, the consortium is also investigating potential uses in seed coatings and crop protection products.

The work is intended to reduce the introduction of non-biodegradable polymer particles into agricultural soils and improve fertiliser nutrient use efficiency. Further testing will be required to determine whether, and to what extent, the intended effects can be achieved under real-world agricultural conditions.

More information:
www.aimplas.es, www.birmingham.ac.uk, www.cbe.europa.eu

Asociación de Investigación de Materiales Plásticos y Conexas (Aimplas), Valencia, Spain

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